Mr. Earnshaw

The patriarch of Wuthering Heights who brings the foundling Heathcliff into the family, setting the tragic events in motion. He represents misguided kindness that has far-reaching consequences.

Profile

Physical: Failing health in later years, confined to chimney-corner, weakened strength, strokes Catherine's hair before dying peacefully by the fireside.

Personality: Kind-hearted but sometimes severe, increasingly irritable in old age, painfully protective of Heathcliff, strict with his own children, doesn't understand jokes.

Background: Master of Wuthering Heights, father of Hindley and Catherine. Finds Heathcliff starving in Liverpool and brings him home. Dies peacefully while Catherine sings to him.

Character Arc

Well-intentioned patriarch whose favoritism toward Heathcliff creates the conditions for future tragedy. Dies before seeing the consequences of his actions.

Relationships

• Hindley Earnshaw (father) — Less favored son, considers him worthless
• Catherine Earnshaw (father) — Troubled by her wild behavior but loves her devotedly
• Heathcliff (adoptive father) — Shows favoritism that breeds family resentment
• Mrs. Earnshaw (husband) — Opposed his decision to bring home Heathcliff

Appearances